NFL Draft 2021: Should LA Rams trade up to 1st round?

The LA Rams don’t have a first-round pick in this draft, thanks to the blockbuster trade to acquire Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. In fact, they are projected to extend this seven-year abstinence through 2023.  The Rams have not enjoyed the benefit of picking on day one of the  NFL Draft dating back to 2017.   If you recall, that was the result of the trade they made in 2016 to acquire the rights to the first pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, which the team used to select quarterback Jared Goff.

Now the question is: Should the Rams consider trading up into the first round on Thursday night during the NFL Draft? This team now has just six picks in the draft and their first pick isn’t until the 57th in the second round. They also have two in the third round (88,103). Their other picks are in the fourth, sixth, and seventh rounds.  This team is very complete, but they could really use some help on the offensive line. They really need to make sure Stafford is protected because he really struggled when the Lions didn’t keep him upright.

The problem for the Rams is that any move like this would empty out the majority of their remaining picks, and could cost them more future assets.  Below is a draft chart of what it could take for them to acquire the 32nd pick from the defending Super Bowl Champion the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Trading Up

Based on the Drafttek.com Draft value chart,  the Rams would have to trade their second-round (330 points) and two-third round picks (150 points and 88 points)  to come close to match with the Bucs (590 points). That would put them at 568 compared to the Bucs 590. Close could cut it if the Rams were contacted by the Bucs.

330 (57th)+150 (88th) + 88 (103rd) =568 points  TB pick = 590 points

Perhaps the  Rams would have to add a minor player, but the Bucs could be tempted to accept this deal since they don’t have any glaring holes. If the Rams were to make this move who are some guys they could target?  There are six guys that stand out that could on the board with the 32nd selection.

Offensive tackles

Prospect I – One such player worth trading up for is offensive tackle, Dillon Radunz, from North Dakota State (6.25-grade per NFL.com). He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 301-pounds. While he is a bit smallish for an NFL tackle, he is immensely versatile in both a tackle/guard capacity. While some draft profiles project him as a day-two prospect, the LA Rams may hold his ability to play multiple offensive line positions as a starter in high regard. If their heart is set on him, they could trade up to grab him.

Prospect II– Another player worth moving up for is offensive tackle Walker Little from Stanford (6.20-grade per NFL.com) He stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs 313- pounds. He definitely has the size to be successful at the next level, and he’s faced strong competition at Stanford. He is a tremendous run blocker, that could fit in well with the Rams line. The problem with him is limited game tape because of a knee injury in 2019, and he opted last season. He is the 6th or 7th tackle on some people’s boards and could very well be available with the 32nd pick.

Prospect III– The third and final tackle on the list is Samuel Cosmi from Texas (6.26-grade per NFL.com) similar to Little he stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 314- pounds. He is also expected to be the 6th or 7th tackle taking in the draft, and we featured him in our Big 12 prospects article. He is very athletic and has great speed for his size. He started his career at right tackle therefore the only Rams could value his versatility to play both tackle spots.

Interior offensive linemen

Prospect IV-  The fourth prospect is on the interior line, and it’s center Creed Humphrey from Oklahoma (6.26- grade per NFL.com) He stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 302- pounds. He very well could be gone before the 32nd selection and many people have him as the top center on the board. This would be an absolute steal for the Rams if they traded up and he lasted this long.  He has strong leadership skills as he was a team captain for two seasons. He has a wrestling background which helps him with is durability, hand positioning, and balance. He finishes his blocks well and plays with a real edge and toughness.

Prospect V- The fifth prospect is center Landon Dickerson from Alabama (6.42-grade per NFL.com) He stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 333- pounds. He has great size for the center position and he has been projected to come off the board as high as 23 to the New York Jets. The Rams would have to jump on this opportunity if he was somehow still there at 32. Playing at Alabama has helped prepare him for the next level because he’s faced the highest level of competition at the collegiate level. He is versatile and can also play the guard position, but he did suffer a knee injury that ended his season in the SEC championship game against Florida.

Prospect VI- The sixth and final prospect is the only guard on the list, Wyatt Davis from Ohio State (6.24- grade per NFL.com) He stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 315 pounds. He is strong in his run blocking and he’s shown tremendous toughness throughout his career at Ohio State.  He played through a knee injury during the second half of the season. He never considered sitting out, despite how much it bothered it. He could very well be available with this pick and it would be a very nice addition for the Rams. He also has an NFL pedigree as his grandfather was former Packer great defensive end, Willie Davis.

Any one of those linemen would really give them a lift, but again is it smart to give up more picks? They could keep their picks and draft several linemen or build depth at other positions. They put themselves in this position, and they can’t afford to leave themselves thin with even fewer draft picks. They have one of the best teams in the NFC, and they could very well win the NFC West, but they are on big injury away from being in serious trouble.  Ultimately they shouldn’t trade into the first round and mortgage more of their future to move up in this draft.